The Skill of Snooping

The Sidekick's Survival Guide #5

by Christy Barritt

When a friend's past comes back to haunt him, Elliot can't stop herself from getting involved. But everything is turned upside down. Even as answers come closer, the stakes continue to rise. Could a little snooping lead to a total life change?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Christian Fiction

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

Reviews

[Hannah]

A sprightly mystery with a solid dose of humor. Even though there’s a serial killer in the mix, it’s definitely a cozy mystery and the tone is kept light. The plot is very intricate and I kept guessing and second-guessing who the bad guy could be. I wanted so much for them to find Velma in time!

I’ll be reading the last book soon, for sure.

[Marylin]

Okay, I just need to say Christy Barritt is one fantastic author!
I got this book and thought, “Okay, what will happen to Elliot in this story?”
I have truly enjoyed getting into the life of Elliot Ransom. It seems like every time she turns around there is something crazy happening that might end with her life in shambles. She is taking being a PI to the max. Her skills in observation are becoming more and more strong and she’s learning to use those skills.
In this story, she’s also learning to dig deep snooping for the truth. When one of her co-workers’ abducted she takes this assignment seriously and no matter what her personal life may be like she strives to find the answers. She also learns the lesson that we all need each other. I love this quote in the book:
“It didn’t matter if you were male or female, strong or weak, rich or poor. We all needed people to look out for us.”
I love these books! They are so fun to read and try to figure out who the bad guys are. However, true to the author’s fashion, we are taken from one twist to another. We as readers, don’t know who really has done it until the end. Try as I might, I’m always shaking my head and thinking, “why didn’t I guess that?”
If you LOVE “who-done-it” stories with mystery, suspense, action, and a bit of relationship tension plus romance mixed in, you will love this book!
Christy Barritt is an author who knows how to keep you reading and reading and reading until you’ve realized you’re done and waiting for the next book to be released. The way she writes is so genuine and refreshing. She spins her tales with so many twists and turns it will keep you hooked until the very end! I was captured from the very first line, and I know you will be too.
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kevin]

Possibly the best book in the series (so far)

THE SKILL OF SNOOPING brings the Beltway Killer subplot of the first four Sidekick's Survival Guide mysteries to the forefront as Velma, the receptionist for Driscoll & Associates disappears, and Elliot and Michael pursue the case. Elliot comes into her own as a PI and puts all the pieces of the puzzle together, with a surprise or two along the way. Christy Barritt does it again! I can hardly wait for the conclusion to the series.

[Doreen Marr]

In this 5th installment of The Sidekick's Survival Guide Mystery Series, Elliot and Michael tackle a case that hits too close for comfort. The Beltway Killer has been mentioned in several previous books in this series, including in a personal way for police Detective Hunter, but when Elliot's co-worker, Velma, goes missing without a trace, it is suspected that she is the latest victim of the illusive killer. Michael and Elliot, as well as their boss, Oscar, pull out all the stops to find Velma before it's too late. Complicating matters is a surprise visit from someone in Michael's past that leave them all uneasy. Twists and turns, emotional highs and lows, Oscar's rare involvement, and Elliot's concern for her mother and sister, all weave together in another great read from author Christy Barritt. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.

[Ashley]

The Skill of Snooping, the fifth installment of the Sidekick's Survival Guide, is the best, and most intense, one yet!

Elliot's coworker and friend Velma has disappeared and Elliot's worried that the Beltway Killer has taken her. It's a mad dash race against the clock to find her. To add even more chaos to an already stressful situation, someone from Michael's past shows up and really complicates things.

There's so much going on in this book. The suspense was off the charts! I literally couldn't read it fast enough. I had to know if everything was gonna be okay. Like I've come to expect from Barritt's books, the mystery was great and kept me guessing. I had a niggling bit of suspicion about the guilty party but pushed that aside because there were so many other viable suspects.

I'm so excited for the next book, the conclusion to this series. I can't wait to solve the mystery surrounding Elliot's dad.

[Mary Hake]

Elliot Ransom is at it again—sharpening her investigative skills and working to find her missing coworker. Concern that Velma may have been abducted by the notorious serial killer propel Elliot and Michael, her private investigator partner, to uncover every possible clue and follow every lead, to no avail. Will they find Velma before it’s too late? Additional complications obstruct their search and their budding relationship. Hopefully, Elliot’s talent for snooping will lead to answers without endangering her own life. This story can stand alone, but reading the series in order offers the most enjoyment as things build with each novel. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Kelly Bridgewater]

The Skill of Snooping is the newest addition in the story of Elliot and her hunt for what really happened to her father. In this story, it hits a little too close to home as readers watch Elliot's reaction to a friend that has gone missing. Different twists and turns have occurred that make you scratch your head. The mystery keeps twisting and allowing readers to second guess what they thought would be happening. As for the romance, it has deepened between two characters. A little twist to that too. The bad guy at the end was given away a little before time. I caught it, but I don't know if others will, so it might not be a spoiler. Overall, I enjoyed this story. I really can't wait to read the next one.

[Laura]

My thoughts (lvh): THE SKILL OF SNOOPING is the fifth book in this quirky first person cozy mystery series, and while this one can be read alone, fans will want to read the whole series.

When Elliot's coworker is missing, the whole staff takes it personally, especially when they believe she was taken by a serial killer. As they follow the few clues, nothing stands out.

To make matters worse, Michael's exwife returns. Why? And what does she want?

I did guess who the killer might be--correctly--though there were many red herrings.

I'm looking foward to the conclusion coming soon.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

[Chrystal Dodson]

When Elliot and Michael suspect their co-worker has been abducted they take every necessary precaution and step into finding their friend. Elliot quickly realizes things are not always as they seem, and people are not always who they appear to be. As she and her team of only two P.I.’s search to bring Velma safely home, Elliot Ransom discovers more about her dad’s mysterious death and connects more dots. She will stop at nothing to uncover lies and hidden agendas to bring justice for her father. Will they be able to find clues that can lead them in rescuing their friend before even more tragedy happens? Will any of this lead them to expose the Beltway Killer?

[Faith Posten]

Some Help Needed Now

Just as Michael and Elliott decide to be more than just co workers, their world is turned topsy-turvy by two huge events. First Velma, the primary office staff lady at their office isn't found anywhere they consider. Non of her friends have a clue nor does her boss. Even their boss Oscar helps with the search for Velma. Then Michael's ex, aka Chole's Mom shows up at Michael's house saying that she has an inoperable brain tumor with only a short time to live. Chole is over the moon with happiness. Elliott, not so much. But she determines to be gracious about it. What a setting! A great story if you're up for the twists and turns. . .

[Cheyenne Davis]

Loved it!

Yay! They finally caught the Beltway Killer! I've been waiting for this since the first book. It was fun too because the killer was someone I had suspected, and then had crossed off my list, so that was a fun surprise. I have seriously been loving Elliot's story. She awesome. Definitely one of my favorite heroines from a mystery novel. In this book the main plots that were moved forward were the Beltway Killer (obviously) and the Michael/romance (drama there that gets resolved). I hope in the next book we get more about Elliot's dad!

[Michelle Castaneda]

The Skill of Snooping by Christy Barritt is such an amazing book! I’ve loved every book in this series, but this book—- wow! When Velma is taken, the serial killer has struck too close for comfort. Elliot and Michael have their work cut out for them. So many things happen— I can’t say more because I’m afraid I’ll share some spoilers! I love suspense but I didn’t see this coming at all. Terrific book and and incredible series. I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Kay Defreese]

Closure for the Beltway Killer story

In this edge of the seat suspense the Beltway killer is finally caught. It is a race against time for Elliott and Michael to find their quirky co-worker worker and in friend Velma who maybe one of his victims. I was shocked at who the serial killer turned out to be. Also in the storyline was someone from Michael's past. The mystery still lingers as to who and why was Elliott's father was murdered. Also her sister is moving up closer on the transplant list.

[Melissa]

Hands down, this is the best in the series yet. They just keep getting better and better. This time the case Michael and Elliot are investigating is personal and readers even get to see Oscar working this case. It's a race against time to once and for all figure out who is behind the Beltway killer murders. The author really got me this time. There were so many suspects that every time I thought I had it figured out, she would add another potential suspect. I found myself questioning everyone and trusting no one.

I was given a copy of this story by the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Beverly Brader]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, “The Skill of Snooping”. I love the main character, Elliot. She is an intelligent woman yet has a few insecurities that she is working on improving. It is fun to see the connection between Elliot and her co-worker, Michael developing into a solid romantic relationship. Once I began to read this book, I could not put it down. It is a definite page turner with an unpredictable ending. I highly recommend reading this book!

[Kim]

Wow! Christy Barritt has a gift with contemporary suspense. This series is top-notch and perfect for summer reading.

Uncovering the identity of the Beltway killer with PI Michael and Elliot as his sidekick is complicated and intense. Now co-worker Velma is missing and pressure unbearable. Elliot must use all her skills while everything around her is reeling out of control.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

[Debbie]

As Elliot begins thinking that life may be taking a turn for the better, her friend from work disappears and it looks like she may be a victim of the Beltway Killer. Can the P.I.'s find her before its too late? And why does Michael's ex show up just when Elliot needs him to focus on the case - and on their relationship? Lots of mystery and drama as the clock ticks down. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Angela Brown]

Oh my! Christy Barritt really hit a home run with this one! I was guessing until the end! It did not go at all as I expected!
Christy Barritt’s books always draw you in from the get go. She incorporates suspense, humor, and mystery. You really feel like you know the characters personally, and you always want to be a part of their group. This book, this whole series, does not disappoint at all. I cannot wait for the adventure to continue!

[Holly]

Fun, entertaining, and a little intense! I love this series and the direction the author has taken our heroine, Elliot Ransom. In this book we learn who the Beltway Killer is and you just might be a little surprised!

This is an excellent series, but I do recommend reading it in order to get the full impact of this book. I'm looking forward to the final book in the series with mixed emotions. I want to see how it ends, but I don't want to see it end!

Great stuff!

[Val]

I knew from book one who the Beltway Killer was!😊 I hoped I was right about how this book would turn out and I read it in a few hours so I could find out. Elliot has her hands full with Mom and Ruth but hopefully they cut her some slack when she gives them the money for Ruth's transplant. That made me mad 😡 the most, they both act like Elliot has to be home with them when they want but when Elliot takes time for them they aren't there. Still loving this series😍!

[April Perry]

Elliot, Michael, Oscar and Detective Hunter all have their plates full with the latest Beltway Killetr abduction. It is someone they all know and love. Can the get to her in time? And in the meantime, Ruth's health is getting worse, Michael gets a visit from someine from his past and all of the leads and suspects they get seem to fizzle out. As the clock counts down, what will happen will they find the killer or will they keep hitting dead ends? Another great read from Christy Barritt!

[Robyn Seitzler]

Elliot Ransom, P.I.

Well, not yet, she isn’t. I mean it isn’t like she has her license, or anything, but this time ‘round Elliot seems to come into her own! What a great storyline with a mix of quirky, romance, and suspense! Elliot certainly is not dancing around the fire as if they don’t have a guinea pig to roast! That’s an old Yerbian saying. :)

[Sherry]

Snooping skills pay off

This is the fifth book in the Sidekick Survival Guide series, and I thought it was to be the end of vfc the CDC series. I'm glad to know there is another, for while this one solved several problems & corralled a serial killer, the mystery of what happened to Elliot's father is still hanging. Perhaps we'll get to next month when the next issue releases.

[Sandra Hartzel]

I had a beta copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Christy Barritt has another hit with the release of this latest book in the Sidekick’s Survival Guide. This book continues the saga of Elliot as a private investigator with a plot filled with intrigue and several twists. It’s a great addition to the series and well worth reading.

[Judith Hendrickson]

Velma is Missing

The receptionist, Velma, is missing; no one knows where she is? The horrible words are spoken: Beltway Killer. Can Elliot and Michael find her? Christy Barritt 's heroine Elliot uses her increasing skills to find her friend, as well as help Michael out of a fix he's in. Barritt useshe

[Alessandra]

Great Series with Hispanic Heroine!

I love this series because I feel like Elliot and I could be friends! I love her inner dialogue and all her quirkiness. I love that this series has a Hispanic heroine too, it’s tougher than you’d hope to find and POC heroine! Overall I give the series a 5. This one book I have a 4 though because I figured out the bad guy before her!

[Clara Page]

Continuing the story of Elliot, this one gets a little more tense. Elliot's co-worker goes missing and she really throws herself into finding out where she is and who the Beltway Killer really is and capturing him before he kills again. This story also throws a curve into Elliot's love life. Can she find Velma and the killer before he kills Velma and what will happen with her new found love?

[Emily]

Excellent storytelling and characters

I'm hooked. Elliot and Michael must once again sort through the lies to get to the truth. They search to bring peace and closure to families and themselves. I couldn't put the book down and can't wait for the next one!

[Jennifer Cagle]

Great book!

Love this addition to the series And I'm so glad they finally caught the killer! The romance, thrill and mystery are supreme! This is my favorite series from this author and I've read almost all her books! Clean mystery, I feel safe reading her books.

[Linda Rainey]

Another Interesting Mystery

This was an interesting mystery.
The storyline,characters,suspense with many twists and turns,kept my eyes glued the page
Cozy mystery lovers will enjoy this book.